Category: Starting Up
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Set up and register a partnership
This guide looks at the requirements that ordinary partnerships have to meet. A partnership is a relatively simple and flexible way for two or more people to own and run a profit-making business together. Social enterprises and other non-profit making organisations should not use this business structure. Unlike the shareholders in a limited company, the…
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Family-run businesses
A family-run business is typically one in which more than half the shares are controlled by members of the same family, or one that has been passed between generations. Starting, leading and working in a family business can bring valuable benefits compared with other businesses – from greater trust between staff to increased flexibility. However,…
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Set up and register a limited partnership
A limited partnership is a business structure which has both general and limited partners. General partners are liable for the full amount of the partnership’s debt, whereas limited partners are only liable for the debts or obligations that they initially invest in the business. There may be benefits for running your business as a limited…
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Starting a business: the basics
If you are considering starting up a new business, you need to consider a number of factors to ensure the best chance of success. As well as your product or service, you will need to think about what you will call your business, what sort of structure it will have and how you are going…
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Intellectual property: the basics
Intellectual property covers a wide range of business assets, from copyright to trade marks, and patents to design rights. If you have a business, you are likely to own intellectual property and make use of other people’s intellectual property within your business activities. This guide explains where to find information about the different types of…
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Financial and management accounts: the basics
The accounting needs of your business will vary according to its size, type and sector. As the business owner, it’s your responsibility to make sure your business keeps accurate records and accounts. There are two types of accounting information – financial accounts and management accounts. Financial accounts describe the performance of your business and have…
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Extra help and support available for your start up
If you run a start-up business as an entrepreneur, there may be extra help available for you if you are a woman, over 50, disabled, from a minority ethnic group, a young entrepreneur, or if you are on a low income. Much of this help takes the form of mentoring and networking – but you…
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Choose and manage your IT supplier
To get significant benefits from IT, you need to be able to trust your IT systems. This means having confidence in the company supplying, managing and maintaining them. Choosing the right IT supplier is therefore an essential part of selecting an effective IT solution. If you rely on IT for your day-to-day activities you need…